NCLEX Neurological Disorders Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Neurological Disorders

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder that affects the central nervous system, and is not contagious or inherited.
MS can cause muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, and other related symptoms.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and balance.
It's caused by a loss of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes memory loss, confusion, and difficulty thinking clearly and concentrating.
It's thought to be caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins that clump together to form plaques and disrupt cell function.

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is an inherited genetic disorder affecting muscles and coordination.
It's caused by a breakdown (degeneration) of the nerve cells of the brain.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and difficulty with movement.
It's caused by damage to motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

GBS is an immune reaction that causes paralysis after infection with bacteria or viruses.
It usually occurs at least two weeks after exposure to an infection somewhere in the body.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Pathophysiology

MS is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks myelin sheaths, the sheets of fatty tissue around nerve cells.
Memory trick: MS - Myelin Sheath destruction, MS - Muscle Spasm & Stiffness

Multiple Sclerosis Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of MS is unknown, but researchers believe it may be related to autoimmune disorders.
Other risk factors include:

Multiple Sclerosis Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person and typically start gradually and worsen over time.
The most common first symptom is numbness or tingling in one area of the body (often the toes or fingers).
Other initial symptoms include:
As MS progresses, symptoms can include:

Multiple Sclerosis Client Education and Nursing Interventions

Nurses must educate clients about managing their own care due to the wide range of symptoms.
Clients may need more assistance or awareness of their specific needs.

Multiple Sclerosis Medications (Pharmacology)

Cyclosporine is a crucial immunosuppressant that prevents the release of cytokines.
It works by inhibiting calcineurin, an enzyme that activates T-cells.
Cyclosporine is not safe for pregnant clients.
Azathioprine is a medication used to treat organ transplant recipients, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.
It works by suppressing the immune system, which means it blocks certain cells from attacking healthy tissue.
Mechanism of action for Azathioprine includes:
Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) is a blood product used to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders.

Description

Review key concepts related to neurological disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and more. Prepare for the NCLEX exam with this comprehensive review. Focus on nursing interventions and symptoms of neurological disorders.